April 8, 2025
Four new fire trucks have joined the rural firefighting fleet in the South Burnett, ready to tackle whatever the upcoming fire season throws at us.
The new 4WDs – assigned to the Maidenwell, Taromeo, Bunya Mountains and Ballogie rural fire brigades – replace older vehicles and come with all the latest fire-fighting safety equipment, including a crew protection system which sprays water around the vehicle and protects the windows.
The Maidenwell brigade’s new dual-cab Isuzu replaces a unit destroyed in a blaze last August.
The keys to the vehicles were officially handed over by QFD Acting Deputy Chief Officer (Central Region) Craig Magick and Member for Nanango Attorney-General Deb Frecklington during a small ceremony at the Kingaroy RSL Club on Saturday morning.
The get-together at the club was also an opportunity to recognise the service of volunteers from Taromeo, McEuen, Tablelands and Malar-Booie RFBs who received National Medals (and clasps) for diligent service or National Emergency Medals, for serving during the 2019-20 Bushfires.
The awards ceremony was compered by Acting Area Manager South Burnett Steve Roberts, who also received a National Emergency Medal clasp.
Mrs Frecklington said the national awards recognised the dedication, professionalism and hard work of the firefighters as well as their courageous efforts during the 2019-20 bushfire emergency.
Executive Manager District Co-ordination (RFS Central Region) Peter Harkin said the National Emergency Medal recipients had not only supported their own communities but had demonstrated their commitment to assist the nation in its greatest time of need.
“I know that you don’t do this for accolades but it’s important that the work you do and the sacrifices you make are recognised,” Superintendent Harkin said.
At last some great news! Wonderful to have new trucks!! But who will drive them? I’ve noticed many of the people in the photos are older. What happens when they cannot go on?
Over and over I have heard local charities say “most of our people are in their 60s, young people just won’t volunteer”. So, who will put out the fires in 10 years’ time?
Who will help the older generation in their homes? More than likely people who are older than the recipients!
I’m not sure if it’s the ridiculous “I wanna be an influencer and dance on TikTok and get paid millions” youngsters, or the “I don’t care about anyone else but me, meet my needs now” ones, but something has gone wrong.
Increasingly, I see self-centred people who don’t think that maybe one day they will need a fire brigade, or help to do something. They just don’t think they will get old… YOU DO. One day you’re 40, and a couple of months later it seems you are 60!
Society used to be about caring for those who were in trouble and helping by DOING THINGS.
Nowadays, it’s “I’ll just donate $10 to the GoFundMe and that will be all I have to do”, forgetting that actual ACTION may be required.
It doesn’t matter if a fire engine is bought with the money, you need the firefighters to use it!
(Please note. A few years ago a fire broke out next door to me, and I was so pleased with the youngsters in the Brigade that I went down to the truck and thanked each one of them. I’m betting a lot of entitled people never even think of what they do, they just expect them to be there when needed. Maybe that’s what’s missing… some gratitude.)